SURVIVORS
The Ed asked David B how on earth modellers keep their planes for so long:
Dear Mike
There are probably many reasons why some models last a long time
Less use of “oily” engines...oil soakage into airframes make them unrepairable
Oily engines damage paint and film finishes
Vibration ....damages airframes...damages radios. Less vibration means lighter airframes ,,easier flyability less crashing..
Radio reliability has improved...as have batteries.
Designs have improved....look at the amount of wood in Phil Smiths (Veron) versions of Hawker Tomtit ...Avro 504 ...etc...feel the weight of any aeroplanes from that era.
Piloting may have improved ....not so much chance now of claiming it crashed due to a “ glitch” ....easy access to foamies and ARTFs has meant that flying experience has built up ...
Storage Facility is vital ,If you don’t have space you can’t keep it! Attic s and garages are used but not at all ideal.. one Phoenix Member would jump on unwanted airframes ( usually Depron)
The Low Resale value of airframes mean that you might as well hang on to them...
Probably other reasons too
Best wishes DB
He suggested a feature on Club members’ oldest airframe: here’s my offering - please add your own via email.
OK, so the nose had to be rebuilt...(Auster, built in 2010, 174 flights to date)
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